Assignment Unit 7 Conflict Resolution Paper

Assignmentunit 7 Assignment Conflict Resolution Paper Assignmentread T

Read the case study for this unit regarding ExtremeNet and Allen Lopez. As the Chief Executive Officer for ExtremeNet, you are responsible for resolving the conflict between Allen Lopez and ExtremeNet in a manner that demonstrates solid ethical reasoning skills and the ability to manage stakeholder interests.

For seven years, Allen Lopez had worked for ExtremeNet, a well-known, global, high-technology company that provides clients with Internet services such as e-commerce and Web development, online marketing, strategic planning, and research. Allen was well paid and performed well in a responsible middle-management position, which he found rewarding.

However, as ExtremeNet struggled to manage the effects of an economic downturn, Allen became disenchanted with the company's treatment of lower-level employees, including his own assistant. Among Allen's concerns were gender and age discrimination during layoffs, as well as changes to personnel policies that he believed treated lower-level employees unfairly. Allen's frustrations grew after he raised his concerns in vain with his superiors. What he did next put his career in jeopardy: Working at home over several weekends, Allen created and published on the Internet a satiric website that inveighed against the abusive management practices of a fictional company that bore a striking resemblance to ExtremeNet.

The site gained some notoriety among high-tech websites and in the business press. The vice presidents of ExtremeNet were incensed to learn of the site's existence and were concerned that the site generated so much traffic and publicity. Although Allen protested that he acted out of a sense of justice and asserted that his creative work was protected by his first amendment rights, this did not prevent the leadership team of ExtremeNet from hastily assembling an emergency meeting to decide whether Allen Lopez should be discharged, and whether ExtremeNet should file suit to have his satirical website removed from the World Wide Web.

The leader of ExtremeNet, in your role as the CEO, must decide whether Allen Lopez should keep his job, whether to attempt a lawsuit for website removal, and how to ethically manage the situation respecting both Allen's rights and the company's interests. You should analyze these issues by applying ethical theories, considering stakeholder interests, and proposing a course of action that promotes fairness, justice, and organizational integrity.

Paper For Above instruction

In addressing the ethical dilemma presented by the case of Allen Lopez and ExtremeNet, a comprehensive and principled approach is essential. The core issues involve balancing the rights of an employee to free expression against the company's interests in maintaining its reputation and operational integrity. As CEO, the guiding principles should be rooted in ethical theories such as ethical egoism, deontological ethics, and utilitarianism, each providing a different perspective on the appropriate course of action.

Should Allen Lopez be allowed to keep his job with ExtremeNet?

Applying deontological ethics, which emphasizes duties and rights, suggests that Lopez's right to free speech—especially as protected by the First Amendment—must be upheld. Lopez's creation of the satiric website was an act of expressing his discontent with management practices and raising awareness about workplace issues. Denying him his job based solely on this act could be seen as an infringement of his rights to free expression, particularly if his conduct did not violate any explicit employment policies. Moreover, from a utilitarian perspective, permitting Lopez to retain his employment might promote organizational fairness and morale among employees, who may view the company's response as unjust or repressive, thereby potentially reducing overall workplace hostility.

Should ExtremeNet attempt a lawsuit to force the removal of this website?

From an ethical standpoint, pursuing legal action against Lopez might be viewed as an overreach and contrary to principles of justice and respect for individual rights. A utilitarian analysis considers whether the benefit of silencing Lopez's website outweighs the harm caused by suppressing free expression and damaging the company's reputation. Given the widespread dissemination and the online nature of the website, a lawsuit might be perceived as an attempt to silence dissent rather than address legitimate complaints. Ethical theory would suggest that Civil liberties, including free speech rights, should be respected unless there is clear evidence of malicious intent or defamation. Therefore, pursuing legal action could damage the company's ethical standing and credibility.

How can ExtremeNet’s leadership best respect the rights of Allen Lopez and ExtremeNet?

Respecting Lopez's rights involves engaging in open dialogue, acknowledging his concerns, and clarifying the limits of permissible conduct. It is crucial to differentiate between protected free speech and conduct that harms the company’s reputation or breaches confidentiality or non-disclosure policies. Leaders should communicate their appreciation for Lopez's commitment to justice but also set clear boundaries regarding online conduct. Implementing a company-wide social media and employee engagement policy based on transparency and respect can help balance individual rights and organizational interests. Furthermore, providing channels for employees to voice grievances internally can prevent such issues from escalating externally and reduce the inclination to take extreme measures.

Impact of the ethical decision on Allen Lopez and the company

If Lopez is allowed to retain his position, this decision affirms the company's commitment to protected speech and ethical treatment, which could improve morale and trust. It demonstrates a commitment to justice and fairness, potentially inspiring other employees to voice concerns in constructive ways. However, failure to act decisively could undermine authority and encourage more public dissent.

Conversely, if the company pursues legal action or terminates Lopez’s employment without a nuanced understanding, it risks damaging its reputation, fostering distrust amongst employees, and violating ethical standards concerning employee rights. Such actions could lead to legal repercussions and diminish organizational integrity.

How can ExtremeNet’s leadership repair the relationship between management and employees?

To repair and strengthen internal relationships, leadership must cultivate an organizational culture grounded in transparency, accountability, and mutual respect. This involves recognizing employee grievances sincerely and implementing changes where justified, such as revising discriminatory policies or improving workplace communication channels. Conducting internal forums, training on ethical conduct, and establishing grievance procedures can facilitate trust. Leadership should demonstrate openness to feedback and lead by example in embracing ethical principles. Recognizing employee advocacy efforts and fostering a sense of shared purpose can unify the workforce and align individual and organizational goals, ultimately contributing to a more positive and productive work environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ethical approach requires balancing individual rights with organizational interests. Allowing Allen Lopez to keep his job and refraining from unnecessary legal action aligns with principles of respect, justice, and free speech. Leadership must focus on clear communication, policy transparency, and fostering an ethical culture to repair trust and move forward constructively. Such an approach not only resolves the immediate conflict but also sets a foundation for ethical organizational practices in the future.

References

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